Ham & Bean Skillet

Ingredients

• 12 ozDiced ham$4.80
• 2 cansWhite beans$2.80
• 1 bunchKale$2.60
• 1 tbspOlive oil$0.20
• 3 clovesGarlic$0.13
• 1 cupChicken broth$0.53
• 1 tbspApple cider vinegar$0.08
• 1/4 tspSalt—
• 1/4 tspBlack pepper$0.03
• Total for 4 servings$11.17

Most of the cost is diced ham ($4.80) and white beans ($2.80). With oil, spices and staples already at home, the shop drops to about $7.56. Prices are estimated for the amount used, at average US grocery prices (November 2026).

Steps

1. Strip the kale leaves from their thick stems and roughly chop them into bite-size pieces. Drain and rinse the white beans, and mince the garlic.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced ham and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges are lightly browned and crisp.
3. Reduce the heat to medium, add the garlic, and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant and pale golden.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the white beans, salt, and black pepper. Bring the liquid to a simmer over medium heat, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until bubbling gently.
5. Add the kale to the skillet in handfuls, tossing until it begins to collapse, then cover and cook over medium-low heat for 4 to 5 minutes until the kale is tender and vibrant green.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the apple cider vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
7. Divide the warm ham and bean mixture evenly among four shallow bowls and serve hot.